Opioid Policy

At our clinic, your safety is our priority. Opioid medications (such as hydromorphone, oxycodone, morphine, codeine, fentanyl, etc.) can sometimes help with pain, but they also carry serious risks, including dependence, addiction, and overdose. To keep you safe and to meet medical standards, our clinic follows these rules for prescribing opioids.

1. Careful assessment before prescribing

• Before starting or renewing opioids, your doctor will complete a full medical history, review other treatments you’ve tried, and discuss your goals for treatment.
  
  

• We will check your medication history through the Prescription Monitoring Program of Newfoundland & Labrador (PMP-NL).
  
  

• You may be asked to do a urine drug test or pill count to help us prescribe safely.
  
  

2. Informed consent and agreement

• If an opioid is prescribed, you may be asked to sign a treatment agreement. This explains the benefits and risks, as well as your responsibilities.
  
  

• You must use only one prescriber and one pharmacy for all opioid medications.
  
  

• We may ask for pill counts, urine testing, or PMP checks at any time.

3. Safe prescribing

• We prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.
  
  

• For acute (short-term) pain, only small amounts are given — usually enough for a few days.
  
  

• For chronic (long-term) pain, we set clear goals (like improving activity or function) and review regularly.
  
  

• Dose increases are only made if benefits clearly outweigh the risks. Sometimes we may recommend tapering or stopping opioids if they are not helping.

4. Monitoring and follow-up

• Follow-up visits are required to continue opioid prescriptions. How often depends on your situation, but usually every 1–3 months.
  
  

• The Prescription Monitoring Program will be reviewed at each renewal.
  
  

• If we see evidence of unsafe use (early refills, lost prescriptions, concerning test results), we will meet with you to reassess your care. In some cases, we may reduce or stop prescribing opioids and suggest other treatments.

5. Naloxone

• Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose.
  
  

• If you are at higher risk, we will offer you a naloxone kit or tell you where to get one. We encourage you to keep one at home and show family members how to use it.

6. Shared responsibility

• You are responsible for using opioids only as prescribed and for storing them safely.
  
  

• Lost or stolen prescriptions or medications will not be routinely replaced.
  
  

• Sharing or selling your medication is illegal and dangerous.

7. Alternatives and supports

• Opioids are not the first or only option for pain. We may recommend physiotherapy, counseling, non-opioid medications, or referral to specialists.
  
  

• If you develop signs of opioid use disorder (addiction), we will support you by offering treatment or referral to appropriate services.
  
  

Summary

Our clinic prescribes opioids with caution, clear rules, and close follow-up to protect your health. By working together, we aim to manage your pain safely while reducing the risks associated with opioids.

Rockwise Medical

Dr. Aaron Wiseman

Reviewed: September 15, 2025

709-979-1490

admin@rockwisemedical.com